Monday, March 18, 2013

DIY French Lantern Chandelier

I’ve been wanting a French Lantern for a few years. I have not been able to find one that I liked for a price that I was willing to pay. They tend to be fairly expensive.

I think lanterns look great in office spaces.

Velvet and Linen

I really like them in dining areas.

They can make a living room look extra special.

Sarah Richardson

But my favorite place just might be the kitchen.

Last August I was toodling around HomeGoods. It just happened to be my birthday. I spied this candle lantern for $20.00. Happy birthday to me!!! My initial thought was to hang it outside. But it was too pretty. So I asked Mr. Décor can we electrify this? He said “Yes.” So I began looking for a chandelier that was the right size to use for parts. It took a few months but I scored this “beauty” at Goodwill on a half price Saturday. Yep, $2.50.

First the top knob was removed with a hacksaw. This was where the electrical cord would be threaded through.

Then the brass interior was removed from the old light, sanded lightly, and the electrical parts were shoved full of paper towels and taped off.

I used Krylon dual paint + primer in ivory satin. It covered the metal finish beautifully. Then taking a leap I used dark Minwax to create a patina.

I was pretty pleased with the results of both products.

Here is a close up of the lantern finish.

For the hanging chain I also spritzed on a bit of Rust-Oleum hammered finish spray paint.

I think the chain finish works really well with the lantern finish.

Keep in mind you wont see the bottom candle holder area once it is hung.

The lantern was temporarily wired to a plug in cord to show you what it looks like at night. We are still deciding if we are going to hang it in the entry or dining area.

I am also wondering if I should add some rusted accents via acrylic paint to the electrical piece. My thought was that in nature it wouldn’t age that way as it is protected by the glass. But I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Paint or no paint?

Laura,You are amazing! Your French lantern turned out beautiful. Regarding, the aging of the electrical part...maybe a little wash to tone down contrast. Less is more, you don't want to detract from the pretty lantern.Have a great week!~Lynne w/L.

This is just beautiful, Laura! What a great way to get the look you want within a budget. I would never have thought to try and electrify the lantern. I'm glad to know you can do that. I think the interior looks find just as pictured. Can't wait to see where you decide to put it!

Wow, you did a fantastic job, looks fab and for so little money! I understand your logic that the electrical fitting wouldn't have aged as it was protected but dare I say it, I think a little ageing might look nice!?

Because the inside of the bottom of the chandelier is aged, yes, I think I'd add just a touch of aging to the piece you painted. Especially because when the light is on the painted piece looks brighter than it probably is when the light is off. Really pretty - can't wait to see it hung up!

Laura, this is so clever. I might paint the interior a nice robin's egg or some unexpected color that you love. I have a little chandelier in the bathroom, and one of the things I like best about it is the pop of unexpected color in it.

I want to thank you for your prayers and your sweet comments. I really appreciate both. I can't remember if I thanked you or not (I came on over the weekend and couldn't comment because I know you turn them off on Sunday), but I was thinking of you all the same and wanting to give you a hug in return.

This is fantastic! I've been playing around with this same idea, just have to find the right lantern. As far as painting the inner parts, I probably would, but I can't ever leave anything alone. So I guess I'd say only do it if it'll really bug you if you don't, cuz it's beautiful as it is!!

Your lantern looks wonderful, Laura! I have one that I've been wanting to convert to electric to make a table lamp- I have all the parts (I think), but just haven't done it yet. Maybe this is the push I need to just do it. :)

Love your Beautiful lantern!!! They look so sophisticated and cast such lovely shadows. Our son wired lamps along their long, curved driveway. At Christmas time they were amazing but look nice all year.I am going to wade in and add my two cents worth about the patina. I think the electrical parts would look a little more natural with a bit more patina added. A real lamp would have probably had at least one glass broken out over time and even if it didn't the dampness would eventually seeped in and caused some deterioration. Especially around the edges. It's only paint so if you try it and don't like it, paint over it. Thanks for sharing your great tutorial! :)

Laura,I prefer your lantern to those I've seen at high end home decor shops. We have a pair of exterior antique lanterns that are original to the house and they look much like the one you've created -- less worn on the interior. Let us know where you decide to hang itYour Friend,Deborah FairfieldHouseNJ.com

Amazingly I think I may have the twin to the older fixture. Purchased mine also at a Thrift store reasonably priced as I wanted it namely for parts. (Posted it on Houzz.com as a salvaged lighting project.)

Used the main 'shaft' to add it on to another one for a longer drop and created a drum shade, five light pendant with no evidence of a chain or exposed wiring. -Brenda-P.S: I really like the way the older fixtures come easily apart so you can interchange them.